Transform Lives
Level 1 – ESMTT
Essential Somatics® Movement Teacher Training
The Essential Somatics® Movement Teacher Training (ESMTT) is a 200-hour certification program in Somatic Movement that is based on the principles, movements, and concepts developed by Thomas Hanna and other somatic pioneers. This training is for anyone who has completed the ES Fundamentals Course and is passionate about teaching others.
The program has been updated for 2023, now combining powerful in person teaching with all the convenience of online learning.
People are Looking For You
Get Certified So You Can Transform Lives
Having experienced Somatic Movement for yourself, some of you might be wondering – what’s next? If you’re anything like us, you’re desperate to tell everyone you know about what you’ve learned and how it might be able to help them too. This will definitely help to spread the word about this fabulous practice, but what if you want to do more? What if you want to transform lives in your corner of the world?
We want to train you to become a teacher so you can reach more people and be confident that you have the skills to clearly teach others how to benefit from this practice.
What Does the Course Include?
in person
Two in-person 4-day modules of training to learn how to teach groups
Online Learning
10 group sessions (2-3 hours each) including group practice
support
Regular mentoring sessions, including advice on clients
materials
A virtual learning platform including videos, audios and student manuals
coursework
Practice classes to complete as well as written assignments
Observation
Teach a class in front of others for the practical assessment
Why Become an ES® Movement Teacher?
This training will equip you with the skills to teach others. It will also invite you to dive deeper into understanding yourself by inviting you to slow down and pay attention. Challenge yourself and discover a realm of new and unexplored possibilities.
After successfully completing this training, you will be recognized as an Essential Somatics Movement Teacher (ESMT) and you will be certified to teach Essential Somatics Movement to individuals or groups. You will be part of a growing international community.
This course is the prerequisite to the CSE training, where you learn how to provide individual clinical sessions using specific hands-on techniques.
Application Process
STEP 1
Complete and submit the application form
STEP 2
Await confirmation and admission decision (reviewed on a rolling basis)
STEP 3
Once accepted, pay the deposit to secure your spot
Course Outline
Module 1
- Concepts and principles of Somatic Education and ES Movement
- Basic somatic movement patterns that resolve SMA, reduce functional muscular pain, and improve overall control and brain to muscle connection of full body movement
- Basic neurophysiology and anatomy as it pertains to the three stress reflexes (as defined by Thomas Hanna)
- Assessment of the three stress reflexes as it pertains to the teaching of ES Movements
- Assessment of Sensory Motor Amnesia as it presents within the ten basic ES Movements
- Safe teaching practices
- Effective language cues to guide clients/students
- How to create a basic ES Somatic Movement class
Module 2
- Advanced Somatic Movement sequences that target specific muscle pain conditions and functional disorders.
- Seated Somatic Movements
- How to create an effective advanced Somatic Movement class
- Sequencing Somatic Movements for optimum functionality
- How to adapt or modify movements to address various limitations or conditions
- Honing teaching skills through group practice teaching with peer and instructor feedback
Program Schedule
Online & Home Study
In between in person modules there are scheduled discussions and mentoring sessions that take place online. Click to view the full schedule to see all dates.
All online discussions are mandatory.
In-Person Modules
There are 2 in person modules spread over 5 months. Modules are 3-months apart.
Each day runs from 9:00 am – 6pm with a 90-minute lunch break.
IN PERSON MODULES
Denver, Co and Lindsay, ON
Denver Location
Arvada, Colorado
Lindsay Location
21 Victoria Avenue North
Lindsay, Ontario
March 9-12, 2023
Module 1
JUNE 8-11, 2023
Module 2
IN PERSON MODULES
York, UK
St Lawrence Community Hall
Lawrence Street
York, YO10 3WP, UK
March 9-12, 2023
Module 1
JUNE 8-11, 2023
Module 2
The Teaching Team
Each ESMTT has a main teacher and 2-3 mentors depending on group size. Teachers are chosen based on location.
Martha Peterson
Program Director
Colm McDonnell
Lead Teacher – UK
Gena Rho
Lead Teacher – USA
Pre-Application Checklist
Prerequisite training
- Successful completion of an Essential Somatics® Fundamentals Course or Retreat
Required reading
- Somatics: Reawakening the Mind's Control of Movement, Flexibility and Health by Thomas Hanna
- Move Without Pain by Martha Peterson
- The Body of Life by Thomas Hanna
Is this course for me?
- Passionate about teaching somatic movement to groups or individuals?
- Ready to deepen your somatic journey?
- Looking for a career change or a way to diversify your income?
Becoming a Essential Somatics® Movement Teacher Will Transform Lives
It’s NEW and Officially Open for Applications!
Tuition Information
Investment
Full tuition costs $3,700 USD and the program takes 5 months to complete.
Payment Due Dates
You can pay tuition at any time before the due dates. If you need a payment plan in order to attend, please let us know in your application and we will contact you directly.
- Within two weeks of being accepted: $600 deposit
- February 11, 2023: tuition balance of $3,100 due
Late Payments
A fee may be charged for any late payments. Your tuition payments must be up to date in order to take part in this training.
Cancellation Policy
Conditions regarding cancellations and refunds can be found here.
More Questions? Check out the FAQs.